How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Uncle Lorne is upset. He says the printers will not be able to go on with the newspapers. He won't be able to collect subscriptions, or get any advertising. He won't be able to buy paper nor ink."
"He's sending the Webb twins home?"
"Yes. Back to Chelmsford. But he and I can manage. The Observer is to be half-size. He won't give up. He'll keep on printing, printing and printing about our wrongs—and our rights—until he drops dead at his press—or gets hanged." (7.1.9-11)
Rab and Johnny discuss the fate of the Boston Observer after the port of Boston is closed in retaliation for the Boston Tea Party. What wrongs and rights is Mr. Lorne determined to print about? What does he have that's so important to say that he'll risk being hanged?
Quote #8
The dispatch bag of newspapers fell to the ground at the feet of the burly half-shaved shirt-sleeved officer.
"Let's see what sort of sedition this rogue is bringing in among His Majesty's loyal troops." His face, behind lather, darkened as he glanced at the paper in his hands. "Sedition. Incitement to rebellion. Why if it isn't that damned Boston Observer. If I were Gage I'd hang the printer of it and this young imp as well. Boy, you're going to get a horsewhipping. Perhaps you still are allowed to peddle such lies about the streets of Boston, but not among the ranks of His Majesty's First Brigade. Sergeant Clemens—thirty lashes on his bare back." (9.3.4-5)
This scene occurs when Goblin gets spooked as Johnny takes a shortcut across Boston Common. Johnny has done this a million times before and it's never been a problem, but this time he runs into the wrong British officer. Why is the officer so angry? What do you think of the punishment he metes out? Consider the officer's position.
Quote #9
"You tell your master," said Pumpkin, "those papers went where they'll do a deal of good."
"The British regulars?"
"Yep. Lots of 'em are Whigs, you know. Lots of 'em, just like in England, are on your side." (9.3.13-15)
What kind of good might the newspapers do among the British regulars? Why might many people in the British army and in England be Whigs? Is this surprising?